“Gervinho had been dreaming of Serie A for at least three years,” revealed the new Roma hitman’s agent.

The Ivory Coast international completed his move from Arsenal this week for €8m plus performance-related bonuses.

“Gervinho had been dreaming of Serie A for at least three years,” insisted agent Pascal Boisseau on Calciomercato.com.

“In the summer of 2010, then-Roma director general Daniele Pradè wanted him in the Capital, while the club also made a proposal last year.”

Gervinho left Lille to join Arsenal for €12m in July 2011, but is now reunited with his old Coach Rudi Garcia.

He never quite settled in London, scoring 11 goals in 63 games in all competition for Arsenal.

“His technical characteristics are unique and because of that much appreciated by several Italian directors,” continued the agent.

“He has a culture of hard work and physicality that I think will make it easy for him to settle into Serie A.

“Garcia very strongly wanted him. He spoke directly to the player and when I met with the Roma directors it didn’t take long to understand this was his big opportunity.”

Gervinho underwent a medical over the weekend, but it’s believed the transfer hasn’t been ratified yet due to an issue with the limit on non-EU players.

It is perhaps because of this that today Roma signed 32-year-old Brazilian Babù from Paganese. They hope to buy the non-EU player from within Italy, then sell him abroad to free up a new incoming non-EU spot for Gervinho.

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